The term "COBRA" stands for the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985, as amended. This is a federal law which allows an individual and/or dependents to continue group health and dental coverage once a qualifying event occurs. A qualifying event may include termination of employment, change in working hours, change in dependent status or age limitation, separation, divorce, or death. The employee must pay the entire premium for the continued insurance coverage, unless otherwise negotiated with the company.